Madison County voters will head to the polls May 19 to decide multiple local races in the Republican primary, though most candidates are running unopposed in the heavily conservative county.

The lone contested race on the county ballot is for Madison County Commissioner District 2, where incumbent Dustin A Parkinson faces challengers JC Weber and Delwyn Klinger.

Parkinson, who is seeking another term said he wants to continue unfinished work in the county.

“The work is not finished,” Parkinson said. “In the three plus years of serving as commissioner, we are moving on major priorities: modernizing our financial systems, advancing plans for a new sheriff’s office. This is not the time to start over.”

Parkinson, who operates businesses focused on water and wastewater systems and serves on nonprofit boards, said his priorities include constitutional rights, infrastructure and local control.

“My platform is straightforward: protect constitutional rights, uphold law and order, plan responsibly for growth, invest in critical infrastructure, and keep local decisions in local hands,” he said.

JC Weber, a lifelong Madison County resident and owner of Circle of Love and Hearts Bridal & Tuxedo, said transparency and long-term planning are central to his campaign. Weber also serves as a school district trustee and sits on several local boards.

“I am running because I believe Madison County needs leadership that is willing to listen, lead with transparency, and plan strategically for our future,” Weber said. “I don’t have a personal agenda; my platform is built on being a representative for the people.”

Delwyn Klinger, a Rexburg native with backgrounds and agriculture and corrections, said county growth remains one of the biggest issues facing local leaders.

“Madison County is growing, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility,” Klinger said. “I want to ensure that we manage that growth in a way that preserves our values while improving quality of life for residents.”

In Commissioner District 1, incumbent Brent Mendenhall in running unopposed for re-election. Mendenhall was appointed in 2018 to fill a vacancy and has since won election to the seat. His background includes work in business, public service and with the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Mendenhall was appointed in 2018 to fill a vacancy and has since won election to the seat. His background includes work in business, public service and with the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Mendenhall has also spoken publicly about improving Idaho's coroner system and the importance of thorough death investigations.

“When I hear that a commission or any county has turned down an autopsy, it just makes me shudder,” Mendenhall said, “What are you doing to that family that doesn’t know what happened?”

Commissioner Todd L. Smith, the current board chairman, is also running unopposed in District 3. Smith has worked on county budgeting, planning and facilities management during his time in office.

Several additional county offices are uncontested in the Republican primary.

Kim Hinckley Muir is seeking another term as clerk of the district court. Muir oversees court records, filings, elections support and county administrative operations.

County Treasurer Angie L. Moffat is also unopposed. The treasurer’s office handles tax collection, county investments and public funds.

County Assessor Shawn Boice is seeking re-election without opposition. The assessor’s office oversees property valuations and exemptions as Madison County continues to grow.

County Coroner Sam L. Butikofer is likewise running unopposed for another term. Butikofer has advocated for additional resources and support for death investigations in the county.

Early voting is underway ahead of the May 19 primary election. Additional election information is available through the Madison County website.